Lily Aldridge and the Easy Polish of a French Braid

While some 10 million people will watch Lily Aldridge strut down the Victoria’s Secret runway on television tonight with a swingy head of bombshell waves, her sleek evening braid is a testament to the knockout chic of a less-is-more approach to hair. The model stepped out in New York City last night with a slim French plait that had the same understated—yet surprisingly high-impact—appeal as her post-show slick bun last week. And when you consider her trademark smoky lids, tawny skin, and rosy nude lipstick, the Angel’s off-duty minimalism seems to follow one simple principle: Ditch the curling iron—but always keep the bronze glow.